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Cosmetics giant apologises for Facebook adafter it was incorporated in memes by 'alt-right' trolls online

COSMETICS giantNivea has apologised for an deodorant advert with the slogan White is purity after it was branded racist.

The Facebook ad was quickly adopted by far-rightgroups who shared it on social media along with pictures of Hitler and Pepe the Frog.

Facebook

Twitter

The ad for Nivea Invisible Black & White deodorant was aimed at Facebook followers in the Middle East.

It featured a dark-haired woman wearing white andwas posted alongside the caption: Keep it clean, keep it bright. Dont let anything ruin it.

The German company, which is liked by 19million Facebook users, removed the post following complaints.

One Twitter user said: Not cool at all. #Racism is not a good marketing strategy.

The ad also became popular with far-right groups online and was incorporated in a number of disturbing memes alongside Adolf Hitler.

Another image used the cartoon character Pepe the Frog designated a hate symbol by the US Anti-Defamation League with a caption saying: Is Nivea, dare I say, /ourguy/?

Another far-right account Tweeted: #Nivea: the official moisturizer/anti-perspirant of the #AltRight.

And another sicko said: Cant fight immigrants with sweat stains. Race war 2020 sponsored by Nivea.

Twitter

Twitter

Niveas owners Beiersdorf said:We are deeply sorry to anyone who may take offence to this specific post. After realising that the post is misleading, it was immediately withdrawn.

Diversity and equal opportunity are crucial values of NIVEA. The brand represents diversity, tolerance, and equal opportunity.

Direct or indirect discrimination must be ruled out in all decisions by, and in all areas of our activities.

In 2011 Nivea was criticised for a magazine ad featuring a black man apparently holding asevered head, with the slogan Re-civilize yourself.

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Nivea removes 'white is purity' deodorant advert after it was branded 'racist' and the company was trolled with ... - The Sun